EP 1221373 A2 20020710 - Ink drop deflection amplifier mechanism and method of increasing ink drop divergence
Title (en)
Ink drop deflection amplifier mechanism and method of increasing ink drop divergence
Title (de)
Mechanismus und Verfahren zum Vergrössern des Ablenkungswinkels von Tintentropfen
Title (fr)
Mécanisme et méthode pour l'amélioration de la déflection de goutelettes d'encre
Publication
Application
Priority
US 75148300 A 20001228
Abstract (en)
An ink drop deflector mechanism is provided. The ink drop deflector mechanism includes an ink drop source (70) and a path selection device operable in a first state to direct drops from the source along a first path and in a second state to direct drops from the source along a second path. The first and second paths diverge from the source. The mechanism also includes a system (80) which applies force (88; 114, 116) to drops travelling along at least one of the first and second paths with the force being applied in a direction so as to increase the divergence of the paths. The mechanism may include a gas source (81) which generates a gas flow (88) force that is applied in a direction that increases the divergence of the paths. The gas flow may be positioned between the first and second paths. The gas flow may be substantially laminar and interact with at least one of the first and second paths as the gas flow loses its coherence. The mechanism may also include a catcher with at least a portion of the system being positioned adjacent the catcher. Alternatively, at least a portion of the system may be integrally formed in the catcher. <IMAGE>
IPC 1-7
IPC 8 full level
B41J 2/07 (2006.01); B41J 2/03 (2006.01); B41J 2/09 (2006.01); B41J 2/105 (2006.01)
CPC (source: EP US)
B41J 2/03 (2013.01 - EP US); B41J 2/09 (2013.01 - EP US); B41J 2/105 (2013.01 - EP US); B41J 2002/031 (2013.01 - EP US)
Designated contracting state (EPC)
DE FR GB
DOCDB simple family (publication)
EP 1221373 A2 20020710; EP 1221373 A3 20020731; EP 1221373 B1 20051123; DE 60115189 D1 20051229; DE 60115189 T2 20060803; JP 2002210979 A 20020731; JP 4212273 B2 20090121; US 2002085072 A1 20020704; US 6508542 B2 20030121
DOCDB simple family (application)
EP 01204923 A 20011217; DE 60115189 T 20011217; JP 2001382131 A 20011214; US 75148300 A 20001228